I know I've been missing for a while but hopefully I'll keep updating as soon as I can between work and school. The story will follow the show in some parts and in others, it will be all my imagination.
Don't own anything.
Sam was busy talking to the doctor when he saw Callen waking up.
"Where are we?"
"Excuse me." Sam said to the doctor. Walking closer to the bed, he finally said, "Druid Hills, Georgia. CDC headquarters."
"How?" Callen said as he looked around the room.
"Blanchard told the Celtic Militia about SPIRAL. He didn't tell them that Gamma Grade Pharmaceuticals already had an antidote. He tried to double-cross them but Karen's people crossed him first."
"Everyone okay?"
"Yeah, they're okay."
"The last thing I remember seeing back there was Hetty. And now… I wake up and… here you are. All those things I thought I regretted, you know… your singing in the car, pretending to like Michelle's Sunday night casserole. "
"I can sing, G. Don't make me prove it." Sam laughed.
"I regret giving up on believing that I might meet my dad someday."
"You still got time. Life's too short to regret."
"The one thing I will never regret… is finding Emma-Grace and bringing her into our lives."
"I think she doesn't regret that either."
"Thanks, Sam."
"For what?"
"For making sure I didn't wake up in Druid Hills, Georgia alone."
"That's what family's for. Now I made a promise to someone."
"And who will that be?" Callen said with a smile.
Sam took his phone out of his pocket. "I think you know who, so you talk to her first." Sam said as the phone started to ring on the other side.
Emma was sitting on the bus when she felt her phone vibrate and smiled at the caller's name.
"Hi uncle Sam. How's he doing today?" Emma said with a smile.
"He's fine, thanks for asking." Callen said on the other end of the phone.
"You're awake!" Emma almost yelled into the phone.
"I am. And hopefully I'll be home before you know it." Callen said to her.
"I thought we lost you." Emma said and Callen could hear that she was about to cry.
"It wasn't my time to go yet. I still have a daughter to embarrass."
"Please no…" Emma started to giggle and whip away a stray tear.
"No more crying. I'll be home soon and then we'll go for lunch and a walk on the beach, okay."
"That sounds great." Emma said as she got off the bus and walked towards OPS.
"I'll call you before you go to bed to catch up on everything that's happened while I was out."
"Okay, I'll talk to you later." Emma said as she walked into OPS.
"Talk to you later, Emma-Grace." Callen said as he ended the call and passed the phone back to Sam. "You were keeping her up to date."
"Tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing, if the roles were reserved?"
"That's true, I would have done the same thing." Callen said as he sat up.
"She's been missing you. Kensi got her back into running to help clear her mind."
"Please tell me, she's not busy training my daughter to kick someone's ass?"
"I think we're passed that stage. I hear Deeks is loving," Sam said as he walked to the corner of the room to grab a chair. "Now he has two people beating him up." Sam laughed as he sat down.
"And before we know it, she's going to teach her how to assemble and disassemble a gun. Or worse, send her to sniper school." Callen said as he rolled his eyes.
"We still have time before that happens. But I think Kensi has Emma's application letter ready to go."
"Oh, help us all. Kensi is turning my daughter into a mini-Kensi." Callen smiled.
Hetty knew something was up when she saw Emma walking into OPS. She was smiling but she could see her eyes were a little red.
"Ms. Callen. Can I speak with you for a moment?" Hetty said as she walked towards her desk.
"Afternoon Hetty." Emma said as she walked into the little lady's office.
"You look happy but you've been crying. Did something happen?" Hetty said as she offered Emma some water.
"I just got off the phone with Callen." Emma said with a smile.
"Oh, that's wonderful. I'm sure you can't wait to have him back."
"I'm happy I have him for a few more years. It would have sucked if I lost him so soon after meeting him." Emma said as she took a sip of her water.
"Not that one. He has more lives than a cat." Hetty smiled.
"I heard that. Hopefully now he'll slow down a bit." Emma said as she laughed.
"Good luck with that, my dear." Hetty just laughed with the girl.
"Thanks for the talk, Hetty. I need to start before Nell sees me slacking." Emma said as she grabbed her bag and started to walk out the office.
"I don't think anyone can say that about you, my dear."
Emma went into the storeroom and picked up a box. She was almost done with the second storeroom and then Nell was moving her into the older files. Apparently, those boxes held floppy disks... whatever that is. Emma and Eric sat down one day and created a program to make sorting and keeping track of all the files more accessible. Eric was impressed that Emma thought of something so geek-like. But Emma didn't have the skills to do it herself, so she went to him and they did it. Now, they can just scan a QR code on the box. Then the file would come up and all the files in that box will be in digital form. It also recorded who pulled the files so they could track if files went missing. Emma had a class in the newest software to see if suspects were lying or telling the truth and whatever else but she wasn't into the whole tech thing luckily for her, she had Eric and Nell right upstairs. When Kensi came to get Emma, she was just placing the last box in its place.
"How's that for timing." Kensi said as she walked into the room. "Good job, Em. I don't even recognize this place.
"Thank you. Eric helped with all the tech stuff." Emma said as she grabbed her bag and walked out of the room with Kensi. "Where's Deeks?" Emma asked as they walked to the car.
"He left early to meet up with a school friend." Kensi answered as she got in the car.
"He has friends. Like normal people friends?" Emma giggled.
"He does have normal people friends." Kensi laughed as she started the car.
"I need to meet these friends, then I'll believe it." Emma said as she smiled.
"So, Zach left this morning. You have to house to yourself again." Kensi said as she looked at Emma.
"It's going to be weird getting used to him not being there anymore. Now I have to make my own breakfast." Emma said with a smile.
"Oh, dear. How will you survive." Kensi laughed.
"Truth be told, I'm going to miss him."
"I know the feeling. Every time my dad left, I felt like a lost puppy. I just wanted him to come back safe and I knew he would do anything to come back to me. But time moved slowly when he was gone."
"You don't talk about him a lot." Emma said as she turned toward Kensi.
"He was my best friend, my buddy, my hero but he was also my dad. We did everything together and he taught me everything I know today."
"He sounds like an amazing man. I wish I could have met him."
"Me too. I wish he could have met the team and seen what I've achieved."
"I think he would be proud of you. You've achieved so much and the team values that." Emma said as she tapped Kensi's hand.
"Thanks Em. That means a lot coming from you." Kensi said as she wiped a tear away.
"Can you image your dad and Deeks together?" Emma giggled.
"I haven't even thought of that. Deeks and Donald Blye in the same room…"
"He would have been happy that you found someone that loves you so much and treats his princess like the queen she is."
"When did you get so smart?" Kensi said as she put the car in park.
"I don't know. I think hanging around you guys helped me see things a bit more clearly."
"You my dear, are part of this family and you are so loved." Kensi said as she hugged the girl.
"I love you guys too." Emma said as she hugged her back. "Thanks for the ride. I'll see you soon."
"See you soon, Pixie." Kensi said as she watched the girl walk to the door.
Kensi knew it was hard for Emma to trust people but she's been the perfect fit for this crazy family. Emma would open up more and more and the more she told the team, the more they wished they found her sooner. But she told them, that they found her at the right time. She had to go through all those things, to become the person she is today. Sometimes they wonder if she really were Callen's daughter but then she'll do something that reminds them of Callen, then they know who she belongs. Kensi pulled into her driveway and grabbed her bag. Unlocking the door, she dropped her bag in the corner and walked into the kitchen to grab a beer. Walking into the living room, taking. Her boots off before she got on the couch. She lifted the lid of the box she kept on the side table and took out her dad's little book Granger gave her years ago. Reading through it, she started to cry. She missed him so much but like Emma said, he would have been so proud of her and everything she's achieved in her life.
Emma entered the house and placed her bag at the bottom of the stair. Walking into the kitchen, she found Julia reading through some paperwork that was lying on the table.
"Hi Ms. Julia. How was your day?" Emma asked as she grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge.
"It was a busy one but it's good to stay busy. How was your day? Any news about Callen?"
"Day was good, busy but that's normal with finals getting closer. Callen… He's awake. He said he'll call before bed to catch up with me."
"Oh, dear. That's wonderful news." Julia said as she placed the file on the table and took Emma's hand. "Do they know when he's coming home?"
"I don't know but hopefully it's soon." Emma said as she snacked on some grapes. That Julia had on the table with her. "Do you need me to do anything before I head upstairs?"
"I think we're good. Did you eat already?"
"Nell ordered us food so but I'll make my tea before I head to bed. Have a few things to finish before tomorrow."
"Sounds good. Don't go to bed too late okay."
"Yes, mama." Emma said as she hugged Julia and left with a giggle.
Emma grabbed her bag and when upstairs. As she walked into her bedroom, she saw the light coming from her desk. Walking closer she saw what it was… a fish tank with two Beta fish in them. They were separated by a mini-Buddha statue and a small Zen Garden. In one tank was a red Beta and in the other was a purple Beta fish. Picking up the note, she opened it.
Dear Pixie,
Meet your new friends, Rosie and Violet. Everything you need to take care of them, is in this file. I hope this little garden will teach you to take a break now and again. Don't overwork yourself and I'll see you when I get back.
Take care of yourself,
Zach
Xoxo
Emma wiped a tear away and bent down to look at the fish. They looked like the ones she saw with Kensi. Kensi must have told him that she was looking at them and now she had her first pets. Emma took her laptop and books out of her bag and started to do her homework. Like Callen promised, he phoned her while she was sipping her tea in bed. Telling him everything that happened, he could hear that the team stepped up and ensured she was okay. But what else did he expect? Like Sam said… they were a family.
"So do you have the list of the things you need me to grab at the store for you?" Julia asked Emma as she sat with her coffee at the counter the following day.
"I did and thanks for grabbing them. I just thought it would be nice if Callen came home to some meals already prepared for him." Emma said as she gave Julia the list. "Mind if I give you the money tonight? I don't have cash but I'll get some on my way home."
"Don't worry about it. You've been helping me with the garden and around the house. Consider it you're allowance for the month." Julia said as she placed her mug in the dishwasher.
"Thanks again. I don't know how I could have gone to the store and got everything done today." Emma said as she poured her tea into her travel mug.
"That's why I'm here for. To help you and I'm glad you have some time off after school. How about I grab us something for dinner and then you can focus on Callens food."
"That would be amazing." Emma grabbed her bag before following Julia to the car.
As Emma packed her books and laptop, she heard Professor Williams's voice calling her name.
"You wanted to see me?" Emma said as she walked to the front of the class.
"I just wanted to do a check-in with you. How are you holding up?"
"I'm good. Keeping busy with school and work stops me from thinking about the bad too much." Emma said as she sat down on a desk.
"And you've been keeping up well. That's what I need to talk to you about."
"Okay, is there something wrong?" Emma started to panic.
"Quite the opposite. I've been talking to the other professors and we've been quite impressed that with everything going on, you could keep up with everything. And not to mention, you're ahead with your work."
"I don't like being behind in anything."
"And that makes it so impressive that you caught up so fast. I want to talk to you about your plans for the summer break."
"I don't know. I've never had to think about a summer break."
"The FBI's BAU unit has a 6-week program that I think would be perfect for you. Normally they only take 5th-year students but I think I can get them to take you, if that's what you want. I think it would be in your best interest and it will help you in the future, in whatever direction you want to go."
"That would be great. If you think I'm good enough for it that why not. Can I talk to my dad about this and see what he thinks?"
"Of course. We have about two weeks before the application process closes, so talk to him and then we'll take it from there. Okay?"
"That's great. Thank you Professor Williams." Emma said as she got up.
"You're welcome, Emma-Grace."
Emma walked out of the building; she knew she had a lot to think about when she got home. She always thought she'd join NSIC after graduating but she's seen the type of stuff Callen and the team do daily. Is she really cut out for that line of work? Maybe she could still be part of NCIS but more like Nell and Eric. Behind the scenes, she was still doing something but not the one people shoot at all day long. She knew Callen and Hetty would help her decide and help her not overthink it. As Emma walked towards the bus stop, she put her earbuds in. The bus ride home was a bit longer than she expected but that was okay, it gave her more time to think about stuff. As soon as she walked into the house, she traded her sneakers for her house shoes and then placed her backpack in her room. Feeding the fish, she grabbed her recipes and headed downstairs. Julia put all the ingredients in the fridge and on the counter, so Emma put on her apron and washed her hands. She started to cut all the vegetables and herbs and sang as she went along. Julia walked in as she put the last container in the fridge.
"Hi, little lady. How was school?" Julia said as she placed their dinner on the counter.
"Was good. I stayed behind to talk to one of my professors."
"Is something wrong that he wanted to talk to you about?"
"Nothing's wrong. The FBI's BAU unit has a program he thinks I might be interested in." Emma said as she washed the last few things.
"That would be great." Julia said as she took out some plates.
"It's over the summer break and I think it's something I think will be nice to do. I'll talk to Callen about it but I want to hear your opinion too." Emma said as she grabbed some water for them both.
"Well, you have to think about what you want to get out of this. Do you want to work for the FBI? Do you want to use what they teach you and work for NCIS? It's your future and you have to think about what's the best for you." Julia said before she took a bite.
"I've always thought I want to work for NCIS or the FBI but now that I have to think about this and see what they do every day, I don't think I can do that."
"Well, you have time to think about it. NCIS has different positions and you can always play a part, even behind the scenes."
"I know and that's what I'm so scared of."
"Why are you scared?"
"I've never had to think about the future. What I wanted to be when I grew up and now I'm here and have to think about it. I just don't want to disappoint anyone."
"Emma-Grace, you could never disappoint us. You've come so far and I know thinking about the future is scary but you have a family now. We'll help and guide you but, in the end, it's up to you to do what's best for you. We'll stand by you no matter what."
Emma knew Julia was telling her the truth and she loved her family. The future scares her but with her family around her, she'll probably make mistakes but they'll help her back on the right path. She needs to remember that mistakes are how you learn from them and move on. And that the world wouldn't fall apart, if you make those mistakes.
"Thanks, Ms. Julia. I knew you'll be the right person to talk to about my fears."
"It scares you to think about the future because you didn't think you'll have one. And now it's here and nobody prepared you for it. Remember to take it one step at a time and talk to us when you need help."
"I think I can work on that." Emma said with a smile as she grabbed their plates.
"Run on it, go beat Deeks up or do whatever you normally do when you need to think about something." Julia laughed as she placed their glasses in the dishwasher.
"He is the best practice doll ever! And Kensi said it was okay…" Emma smiled.
"And if Kensi says it's okay, it must be okay." Julia giggled as she started the kettle for tea. "So, plans for tomorrow morning. You're going for your run, get home take a shower and then we'll head out. Drop the food off and then I'll drop you at school."
"That's the plan. After school, I have work and Kensi or Deeks will drop me off." Emma said as she placed the tea bags in the mugs and poured the water into each. "Do you know what a floppy disk is?"
"Oh, my dear. You're so young." Julia laughed as she took her mug. "It's something we old people used in the olden days to store files on. It goes in a computer."
"Like a USB for old people then?" Emma giggled. She already looked up what a floppy disk was but she just wanted to see what Julia would make of it.
"You little mouse." Julia said as she brought her in for a hug.
"I just wanted to see what you would do. Did you hear anything from Zach yet?" Emma said as she took a sip of her tea.
"No, but that's normal. He'll let us know where he's at when he can. Don't worry about him."
"I'm not worried. I'm just making sure he's not in trouble because I can tell you who will have to save him… and it starts with an N."
"Ahh, I know what that stands for. But like I said, he'll reach out when he can. I'm going to go take a bath to relax and you young lady, bed early." Julia came to give Emma another hug before she walked upstairs. "Night Em."
"Night Ms. Julia." Emma said as she grabbed her recipes and turned off the lights.
Walking into her bedroom, she placed her mug on her bedside table and took off her shoes. Getting on the bed, she put her earbuds and phone on charge. Callen called her while she was cooking but she was waiting to tell him about the whole FBI thing. She wanted to do that in person and while they were eating ice cream. Everything always feels better with ice cream… wait she's beginning to sound like Kensi.
Emma knew Callen kept an extra key for his house at the office with Hetty. And luckily the old lady gave it to her earlier in the week. Julia said she'd wait in the car while Emma ran to drop off the food. As Emma entered the kitchen, she saw a red-headed woman at the sink putting water in a vase.
"I'm sorry." Emma started to say as the lady turned around.
"Oh, I didn't think anyone would be here." Joelle answered. "You must be Emma-Grace. I'm…"
"Joelle. Callen told me about you." Emma said as she took the offered hand.
"I've heard about you too. I'm here to make the place a little homely before he gets back."
"I'm just here to drop off some food for him, so he doesn't have to cook when he gets back." Emma said as she made her way towards the freezer.
"That was a good idea. I don't even know how that guy survives; he can burn toast." Joelle laughed.
"I just wanted him to eat something healthy while he gets back on his feet. I have to go, I have a class. I'll see you around, Ms. Taylor." Emma said as she walked to the door.
"I can drop you off. Then you don't have to take the bus, maybe stop for coffee."
"It's okay, thanks. Julia's waiting for me in the car. Have a nice day, Ms. Taylor."
"Call me Joelle. Ms. Taylor is what my kids call me." Joelle smiled.
When Emma was out the door, Joelle moved to the window to see the teenager getting into a car. She knew Callen said that Emma has a hard time adjusting to new people but it was a new feeling for Joelle. Kids loved her but Emma seemed like she could pose trouble.
"Everything go okay in there?" Julia asked Emma as she got into the car.
"Yeah. I ran into Callen's girlfriend." Emma said but Julia could see something was up.
"And?"
"I don't know. Something feels off about her." Emma said as they were driving.
"I know it's weird when a parent brings a new love interest into a child's life. Maybe give her a chance. You might like her." Julia tried but Emma wasn't budging.
"I'll give it a chance. For Callen's sake." Emma said but she still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Joelle.
Emma was walking to the bus stop when she saw a car she recognized. The closer she got to the car, the happier she got. Never did she think she would miss someone so much. She saw him get out of the car and almost ran the last few inches. He just opened his arms and she gave him a big hug.
"Well, someone missed me." Callen said as he held her close.
"You have no idea." Emma said.
"I missed you too, Em." Callen said as he squeezed her one last time. "Let's go grab some dinner."
"I'm starving!" Emma said as she opened her door.
"And ice cream." Callen said as he closed the car door for her.
They found a cute little diner on one of their days out and they both liked it so much, they made it their spot. As the waitress walked away to place their orders, Callen looked at Emma. He could see her hair was shorter than the last time he saw her. She looked healthier and she had a little more muscle on her. She was wearing a dress with thighs and of course she was wearing her trusty Converse. And to finish off her look, her glasses.
"So, how's school going? When do finals start?" Callen asked after he took a sip of his coffee.
"Finals start in three weeks so have to get everything done at OPS before I lose myself in school. About school..." Emma started.
"What about school?"
"So, my professors were talking and the FBI's BAU unit has this 6-week program that they normally do with 5th-year students. But they think they can get me in this year, if that's want I want. I told them I'll talk to you about it before I make my final decision."
"I think that would be great for you to do. When does it start?"
"Starting a week after school ends for the year." Emma said with a smile.
"So, you still have some summer break left when it ends."
"Yup, have about a week before school starts up again. So, what do you think?" Emma asked as she started to chew on her lip.
"You know I'll support you, no matter what you decide. But I think you should do it. It will help you in the future, whatever path you decide to take." Callen said as the waitress placed their food on the table.
"I know you'll support me but I don't want to disappoint you." Emma said as she looked down.
"You, Emma-Grace can never disappoint me. You've been the best thing that's happened to me and I'm so glad you are in my life. All I want as your father, is that you do what makes you happy. I can guide you in a direction but it's up to you what you want to do with your life." Callen said as he took her hand. "You are so loved by so many people; you need to start loving yourself. Olga and Daniil are dead and you are free of their hold."
"I'm getting to understand what family means now." Emma said as she wiped a tear away.
"Emma, you are part of this family. And we'll always stand behind you and be there to help you get up if you fall. So, no more tears, okay?" Callen said with a smile.
"I've been crying a lot but all good tears." Emma said with a smile.
"That's the best kind of tears." Callen smiled. "So, you're going to do the program?"
"I think I'll do the program, if I get in. And please don't tell Hetty. She might make a phone call to get me in and this is one thing I want to do on my own."
"I can understand that, so I will keep it to myself."
"Thank you. She can't use all her favours with people, on me. She needs to keep them for you guys, since you like to get into trouble." Emma said as she cut her burger in half and placed the other half on his plate.
"We don't like getting into trouble. Trouble finds us."
"I know but still, can we keep the hospital scars to a minimum please."
"I can't make any promises." Callen winked at her.
"So, you want to tell me more about Joelle?" Emma said before she took a bit of her food.
"She told me you two run into each other at the house."
"I went to drop off some freezer meals and she was there. So…"
"You know she's a kindergarten teacher. She was Kam's teacher, so Sam and Michelle introduced us to each other. Well, they stood us up for dinner."
"But you stayed for dinner with her. Nice story old man." Emma giggled.
"I was raised you never let a lady dine alone if they get stood up."
"Keep telling yourself that. You'll start to believe it."
"I was hoping to introduce you two to each other over dinner, but you beat me to it. So, do you want to meet her? Get to know her a bit better for yourself." Callen said as he sat back.
"If you want us to meet, then we can do that. But what did you tell her about my past?"
"I just told her you were in foster care and we found you when we investigated a case. It's up to you what you want to share with her, so don't feel pressured to tell her everything you're not comfortable with sharing."
"Okay, I can work with that. So, you decide on a day and we can get together." Emma said with a smile. "Can we go get ice cream now?" Emma pouted at Callen.
"Of course, we can." Callen said as she got up from the booth and he paid the waitress.